Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight Q&A session we did with Doris B.
Have you lived in other places besides Lynden?
I was born in South Dakota. I also lived in Idaho and Everett before moving to Lynden, Washington.
What was your first job?
My first job was working on the farm I grew up on, milking cows and helping with summer work. I also taught piano lessons to my sisters at home.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
I worked in the office at Elenbaas Dairy. I also taught piano lessons and took lessons from a teacher in Bellingham to receive a state certificate. I played the pipe organ for several years at Third Christian Reformed Church and accompanied the choir. And, of course, I did all the things a mother and wife does for her children and husband.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
I loved being part of the Lynden Music Teachers Association. We were a serious and compatible group that wanted to learn together, be a resource for young musicians and work toward similar goals. It is still in existence as a resource for adjudications and recitals.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
I was a church organist and choir accompanist for Third Christian Reformed Church.
What is the hardest thing that you’ve lived through, and how did you get through it?
I was engaged to be married when Sherm, my fiancé, had to go to Korea. That was a difficult time. We managed one day at a time and relied on a lot of prayer. We were looking forward to a future together and planning our wedding.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
I loved the time when all five of our children were still at home as teenagers. They brought friends home, and they were busy. We enjoyed doing things together as a family.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
Kristin Hannah. I have learned a lot from her books. I also enjoy Bach and playing music for the holidays.
Do you have a favorite song, inspirational quote or Bible verse?
I loved listening to my dad sing a duet or perform with a quartet with the Lynden Airs, before King’s Men of Song. He was a tenor and sang a mix of songs and African American spirituals.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
They showed me to always be kind, loving and generous. Be a good host and always be willing to welcome others. Our house was always open for hospitality.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
Be home on time! If you have the opportunity to work with your parents on a farm or in a business, take it. You can learn great life lessons working alongside them. You learn by watching, and it is an excellent education.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
I never thought I would be here at CHCC because my grandparents came here when the building was still on B.C. Avenue.
What is one thing that you like about living at CHCC?
I enjoy the activities and appreciate being able to rest whenever I want. Bible study, worship and hymn sings are highlights for me. I enjoy the crafts, the variety of people and their different personalities, and having time to read.
